Easy Apple Swirl Cake

Featured in Irresistible Desserts.

This easy no-bake cheesecake combines creamy cheesecake filling with swirls of apple butter in a cinnamon graham cracker crust.
Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:12:07 GMT
A slice of cheesecake with a creamy filling swirled with caramel sauce on a dark plate. Pin it
A slice of cheesecake with a creamy filling swirled with caramel sauce on a dark plate. | cookingwithcasey.com

My kitchen fills with pure joy every time I make these biscuits. The magic happens as they swim in golden butter creating the most incredible crispy crust while staying melt in your mouth tender inside. One bite and you'll understand why they've become a cherished favorite in my home.

From My Family Kitchen

This recipe came to me tucked inside my grandmother's old recipe box straight from her Texas kitchen. The splatter marks on that worn index card tell stories of countless family gatherings. Now it brings that same warmth to my own kitchen and I couldn't be more grateful to share it with you.

What You'll Need from Your Kitchen

Let's Bake Together

The Secret Behind That Tender Crumb

Buttermilk is the secret weapon in my kitchen for these biscuits. It gives them that slight tang and creates the most incredibly tender texture. Don't worry if you're out of buttermilk mix up regular milk with a splash of lemon juice let it sit for 5 minutes and you're good to go.

A slice of cheesecake with a marbled caramel topping is displayed on a black plate, revealing a creamy filling and a graham cracker crust. Pin it
A slice of cheesecake with a marbled caramel topping is displayed on a black plate, revealing a creamy filling and a graham cracker crust. | cookingwithcasey.com

My Favorite Ways to Serve Them

Nothing beats these biscuits fresh from the oven when they're still warm. We love them drizzled with honey spread with sweet jam or simply slathered in butter. They're also perfect for soaking up the last bits of soup or topped with my grandma's sausage gravy recipe.

Keeping Them Fresh

Let your biscuits cool completely on the counter I know it's tempting to dig in right away. Once cooled wrap them snugly in foil. They'll stay fresh at room temperature or in the fridge. When you're ready to enjoy them again just pop them in the oven until they're warm and soft.

Save Some for Later

I always make extra biscuits to freeze it's one of my best kitchen secrets. Wrap them well in foil or plastic then tuck them into a freezer bag. They'll keep perfectly for two months. When you need them just warm them straight from frozen in a low oven until they're soft and steamy.

Mix It Up

Sometimes I get creative with my biscuits and you should too. Try mixing in sharp cheddar and fresh herbs or sprinkling the tops with cinnamon sugar before baking. My kids love when I add a touch of garlic powder and parmesan it's like having homemade breadsticks.

Gather Round the Table

These biscuits turn any meal into something special. They're my go to for weekend brunches holiday dinners or just because we need some comfort food. The smell of butter and fresh bread brings everyone to the kitchen every single time.

A slice of cheesecake with a caramel topping on a black plate, showcasing a graham cracker crust. Pin it
A slice of cheesecake with a caramel topping on a black plate, showcasing a graham cracker crust. | cookingwithcasey.com

Morning Time Savior

I'm always grateful when I think ahead to prep these the night before. Mix up the dough cover the pan and pop it in the fridge. Next morning just bake and enjoy. It's my secret weapon for stress free holiday breakfasts and weekend hosting.

Perfect for Little Hands

My kids love helping make these biscuits almost as much as they love eating them. We make fun sandwiches with peanut butter and jelly or honey butter. They're the perfect size for little hands and make the best after school treat.

For My Gluten Free Friends

When my best friend went gluten free I worked hard to create a version she could enjoy. Use your favorite gluten free flour mix with xanthan gum already added. You might need to adjust the liquid a bit but they turn out just as tender and delicious.

The Secret to That Golden Bottom

Want to know what makes these biscuits extra special? It's all about how the butter pools in the bottom of the pan. Make sure your melted butter coats every inch before adding the dough. That's what creates that gorgeous golden brown crispy bottom we all fight over.

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction

Sometimes we crave something sweet so I add extra sugar to the dough and top them with a simple glaze. Mix powdered sugar with a splash of cream and vanilla drizzle it over warm biscuits and watch them disappear. It's like having homemade pastries.

A top view of a cheesecake with a glossy chocolate swirl pattern on a graham cracker crust, placed on a wooden serving board. Pin it
A top view of a cheesecake with a glossy chocolate swirl pattern on a graham cracker crust, placed on a wooden serving board. | cookingwithcasey.com

Feeding a Crowd

Having the whole family over? This recipe doubles beautifully. I just use my biggest baking pan or split the dough between two pans. Whatever you do make sure you make enough everyone always wants seconds of these beauties.

Bringing Back the Warmth

When you're ready to enjoy leftover biscuits heat your oven to 300 degrees. Ten minutes is usually perfect they'll taste fresh baked all over again. The butter in the dough helps keep them moist even when reheated.

Sip and Savor

My morning isn't complete without a warm biscuit and coffee. They're just as lovely with afternoon tea or a cold glass of milk. Something about that buttery goodness pairs perfectly with any drink hot or cold sweet or plain.

Adventure Ready

Would you believe these biscuits are camping superstars? I mix the dry ingredients at home then add the wet ingredients at camp. Bake them in a cast iron skillet over the campfire and watch everyone gather round. There's nothing like fresh biscuits in the great outdoors.

Making Memories

These biscuits are more than just food they're part of our family story. From quick breakfast sandwiches to holiday feasts they've been there for countless moments. Every time I make them I think of all the joy and love shared around our table.

A slice of cheesecake with a glossy caramel topping and decorative apple slices, sitting on a dark plate. Pin it
A slice of cheesecake with a glossy caramel topping and decorative apple slices, sitting on a dark plate. | cookingwithcasey.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why no-bake method?
No-bake cheesecake is easier to make and has a lighter, fluffier texture than baked versions.
→ Can I make this ahead?
Yes, needs at least 6 hours to set but can be made up to a day ahead and kept refrigerated.
→ Why coat all crumbs with butter?
Even butter coating helps the crust hold together better as it acts like glue for the crumbs.
→ Can I use store-bought crust?
Yes, though homemade crust with cinnamon added provides better flavor and texture.
→ How do I get clean slices?
Ensure cheesecake is fully chilled and use a warm, clean knife between cuts.

No-Bake Apple Cheesecake

A no-bake cheesecake featuring graham cracker crust and creamy filling swirled with apple butter - perfect for fall.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Casey


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (1 9-inch cake)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 CRUST:.
02 2 cups (204 g) graham cracker crumbs.
03 ½ teaspoon cinnamon.
04 ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted.
05 FILLING:.
06 16 ounces cream cheese, softened.
07 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar.
08 2 cups (476 g) heavy cream.
09 ¾ teaspoon fresh lemon juice.
10 ½ cup (120 g) apple butter.

Instructions

Step 01

Spray 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray.

Step 02

Mix graham crumbs and cinnamon with melted butter. Press into pan and chill.

Step 03

Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add cream and lemon juice, beat until fluffy.

Step 04

Pour filling in crust. Top with dollops of apple butter and swirl.

Step 05

Refrigerate 6 hours or overnight until firm before serving.

Notes

  1. Needs 6+ hours to set.
  2. Can make 1 day ahead.
  3. No baking required.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9-inch springform pan.
  • Hand or stand mixer.
  • Offset spatula.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream cheese, cream).
  • Wheat (graham crackers).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 427
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~